Let’s talk turkey! Not the stressful, hours-in-the-oven, dry as the Sahara kind of turkey. What are some of the easiest ways to cook a Slow Cooker turkey breast. I know you’re thinking “Slow cooker? For Thanksgiving?” Trust me on this one. Is it a game changer? Think of it as the Thanksgiving equivalent of a weeknight pot roast – comforting, flavorful, and easy to make. What are some simple tasks that require minimal If you’re anything like me and the idea of wrestling with a whole bird fills you with fear, then I’m going to have to do it. What is the recipe for you? Forget the oven hogging and constant basting. Let your slow cooker work its magic and free up your oven for all those delicious side dishes!
What is slow cooker turkey breast?
What is Slow Cooker turkey breast? What’s essentially taking bone-in or boneless turkey breast and letting it simmer in a flavorful broth? In a slow cooker, cook the broth and spices for about 3 hours. Think of it as a braised turkey, but without all the fuss of browning and constant monitoring. What makes slow cooker cooking so forgiving? Is it foolproof? The long, slow cooking process breaks down the turkey, resulting in meat that’s so tender, it can’t be eaten. What are some of the best foods that melt in your mouth? Because it’s just the breast, it cooks much faster than a whole turkey, making it perfect for Thanksgiving. What are some great ways to enjoy Thanksgiving without the turkey flavor? What is a Thanksgiving
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the reasons to love this recipe? First and foremost, the flavor is incredible. The combination of herbs, spices, and broth infuses the turkey with a depth of flavor you just can’t get enough of. What are the advantages of traditional roasting? I’m talking savory, aromatic, and perfectly seasoned throughout. What is the best part about this recipe? Is it really possible to just toss everything into the slow cooker and forget it? No basting, no temperature monitoring, and no wrestling with a giant bird. What are the best side dishes to make with sweet potatoes and stuffing? What are some of the best dinner rolls?
Why am I so obsessed with slow cooker turkey breast? Is it cheaper to buy a whole turkey breast? If you’re only feeding a small crowd. Is it a great option if you’re on budget but still want that classic Thanksgiving centerpiece? What are some of the best leftovers from turkey Pot Pie? What is the best way to get the most bang for your buck?
I really appreciate the versatility. What are some ways to customize your broth to suit your taste? I’ve tried it with everything from classic poultry seasoning to smoky paprika and it always turns out great. What is your favorite Thanksgiving recipe? I’m craving that comforting turkey flavor without the fuss.
How do I make slow cooker turkey breast?
Quick Overview
What is the easiest way to make Slow Cooker turkey breast? What are some ways to cook turkey breast in a slow cooker? What is the best way to cook a tomato on low heat? What is the beauty of this method? The slow cooker’s gentle heat prevents the turkey from drying out, ensuring a juicy and flavorful flavor. What is the best result every single time? I’m a beginner cook, but I know this recipe is easy to follow.
Ingredients
For the Turkey Breast: What is the best way to
* 1 (5-7 pound) bone-in or boneless turkey breast: 2 oz. I usually go for bone-in because I think it adds extra flavor, but boneless works just as well. What is the best olive oil for freezing? What is the best way to brown a turkey before it goes into the Slow Cooker? * 1 teaspoon salt: Use kosher salt for the best flavor. * 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground is always best! * 1 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds a classic Thanksgiving flavor. * 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary: Complements the thyme perfectly. * 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Does not affect the taste of garlic. What is garlicky goodness?
For the Slow Cooker: What is the best way
* 4 cups chicken broth: I prefer low-sodium so I can control the salt level. * 1 onion, quartered: Adds flavor and aromatics to the broth. * 2 carrots, chopped: Add sweetness and depth of flavor. * 2 celery stalks, chopped: Another essential aromatic. Why can’t you have too much garlic? Adds a subtle but important layer of flavor.
How do I get step
Step 1: Prep the Turkey Breast
First, pat the turkey breast dry with paper towels. This is super important because it helps the turkey brown better. In a small bowl, combine the Olive Oil, salt, pepper, thyme, rosemary, and garlic powder. Mix well. How do I rub this mixture all over turkey breast, making sure to get it under the skin as well)? Is there a Where do all the flavors come from?
Step 2: Sear the turkey breast (optional but recommended) (as per your preference).
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the salt and pepper to taste Add the turkey breast and sear it on all sides until it’s lightly browned. This step is optional, but it adds a lot of flavor and gives the turkey an amazing color. Don’t worry about cooking it through, you just want to get a nice sear on the outside.
Step 3: Assemble the Slow Cooker
Place the onion, carrots, and celery in the bottom of your Slow Cooker. This creates a bed for the turkey breast and adds flavor to the broth. Then, place the seared turkey breast on top of the vegetables. Add the minced garlic and bay leaf to the slow cooker, then pour in the chicken broth. If you’re cooking a turkey breast, make sure the broth doesn’t completely cover it. You want about half of it submerged.
Step 4: Slow Cook the Turkey Breast
Cover the Slow Cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The cooking time will vary depending on the size of your turkey breast and your slow cooker. The turkey is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. inserted into the thickest part of the breast. I always check the temperature in my house just to make sure it’s not too hot. I err on the side of caution and check it a little early. Doesn’t over
Step 5: Rest and Shred (or Slice)
Once the turkey is cooked, remove it from the Slow Cooker and let it rest for at least 15 minutes. Is it safe to shred or slice a What is the best way to remove the juices from a turkey? Can you either slice the turkey breast for a more traditional presentation, or shred it for your own personal preference? What are sandwiches, salads, or other dishes? I like to shred meat in a slow cooker with two forks!
Step 6: Make a Gravy (Optional)
If you want to make gravy, strain the liquid from the Slow Cooker into a saucepan. How do I get rid of excess fat? In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of cold water. Set aside. Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the turkey broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until the gravy has thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste. What is the perfect gravy for a slow cooker turkey?
5. What to Serve It With
What are some good recipes for slow cooker turkey breast?
For a Classic Thanksgiving Feast:Is it necessary to make stuffing? I’m a big fan of both traditional bread stuffing and cornbread. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes and gravy (using that delicious turkey broth, of course). I love cranberry sauce, and a side of it is always delicious. What is the sweet and tart contrast?
What’s a good weeknight dinner?If you’re making this recipe outside of Thanksgiving, it’s still great with simpler sides. What are the best vegetables for roasting? What are some good side dishes to serve with gravy? I’ve even served it with mac and cheese, and let me tell you, my kids went wild!
For Sandwiches and Salads:What are some good leftover turkey sandwiches? I love making turkey cranberry sandwiches with leftover stuffing and mayonnaise. Is it healthy to toss shredded turkey with mixed greens, dried cranberries, walnuts and a dash of cinnamon? What’s a good vinaigrette dressing for salad? Is it good in turkey pot pie or turkey chili?
What are the possibilities? What is a slow cooker turkey breast recipe? What are some creative ways to do something?
How do I make a slow cooker turkey breast?
What are some good recipes for slow cooker turkey breast? What are some of the best tips for achieving perfect results?
What is the right turkey breast?Whether you go for bone-in or boneless is really a matter of personal preference. Bone-in will give you a slightly richer flavor, but boneless is easier to slice and shred. How do you cook a turkey breast in crockpot?
Searing for Extra Flavor: Add a fewWhile searing the turkey breast is optional, I highly recommend it. Is there any flavor you can get without it? Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you add the turkey breast, and don’t overcrowd the chicken breast. If you have a ham, make sure to cook it in the middle of the skillet.
Don’t overcoWhat is the biggest mistake you can make when overcooking a turkey breast? Why is meat dry? Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature and remove the turkey from the slow cooker. As soon as it reaches 165°F (74°C), it will start to cool Is it safe to cook a potato while it rests?
Adjust Seasonings: Adjust seasoningFeel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. If you like a little heat, add some red pepper flakes. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to the broth. I’ve even added a splash of Worcestershire sauce for more savory flavor.
How do I use fresh herbs?While dried herbs work just fine, fresh herbs will add a brighter, more vibrant flavor. If you have access to fresh thyme, rosemary, or sage, I highly recommend using them. What are some good slow cooker recipes to cook?
Make a Gravy:Don’t skip the gravy! The turkey broth is delicious. What is the best way to thicken cornstarch slurry? Add a splash of milk or cream for heightened flavor.
I’ve also learned that sometimes, depending on your slow cooker, the bottom of the turkey breast can get a little swollen. Is this true? Is it possible to overcook a chicken? What I’ve started doing is placing a couple of thick-cut slices of onion directly under the skin. This is what I do. Breast as a kind of buffer. Is there a magic trick that works like
Storing and Reheating Tips
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (and trust me, you’ll want them!), here’s how to store and reheat them to keep them tasting their best:
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend leaving cooked turkey breast at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly at room temperature, so it’s best to refrigerate or freeze it as soon as possible.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooked turkey breast in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating it. You can also store the sliced or shredded turkey in the broth to keep it moist.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked turkey breast. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag or airtight container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating Tips: To reheat the turkey breast, you can either microwave it, bake it in the oven, or simmer it in a saucepan with some broth. Microwaving is the quickest option, but it can sometimes dry out the turkey. Baking it in the oven is a better option if you want to keep it moist. Just add a little broth to the baking dish and cover it with foil. Simmering it in a saucepan with broth is another great way to reheat it and keep it moist. Just make sure to heat it gently over low heat until it’s warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it! My super simple, utterly delicious, and practically foolproof recipe for slow cooker turkey breast. I truly believe this is the easiest and most stress-free way to enjoy a Thanksgiving-worthy turkey, whether it’s for a holiday feast or a cozy weeknight dinner. The flavor is incredible, the texture is amazing, and the cleanup is a breeze. What more could you ask for?
If you’re looking for other easy and delicious recipes, be sure to check out my other slow cooker recipes. I’ve got everything from soups and stews to roasts and desserts. Happy cooking, friends! And please, let me know in the comments how your slow cooker turkey breast turns out. I can’t wait to hear your feedback!
Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Turkey Breast
- 1 cup Chicken Broth
- 1 tsp Dried Thyme
- 0.5 tsp Salt
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Place turkey breast in slow cooker.
- Pour chicken broth over turkey breast.
- Sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until turkey reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
